Burdock and a Bug

Hello Friends,

Happy Valentines Day! Hoping you're sharing the day with loved one/s.

Per an online search of this image, ... "The plant is likely common burdock (Arctium minus) or greater burdock (Arctium lappa), both of which are common weeds native to Europe and Asia but are now widespread globally. Burdock is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle over two years. The flowers develop into the famous burrs that easily cling to clothing and animal fur, a mechanism for seed dispersal that inspired the invention of Velcro. Despite being considered a weed by many, various parts of the burdock plant are edible and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The root, in particular, is used as a vegetable called gobo in Japan.

The Insect: The orange and yellow insect appears to be a type of wasp or yellowjacket, possibly a Southern Yellowjacket queen (Vespula squamosa). These insects are known to be attracted to burdock flowers for nectar and pollen."

On the political front I'll take a pass today. If there's anything that's caught your attention please let me know. I get ill thinking about Bondi and Noem.

Wishing for better,

Barry Rothstein

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